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Published on: July 30, 2007
Curing lights for orthodontic bonding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Padhraig S Fleming1, Theodore Eliades, Christos Katsaros
1Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom. padhraig.fleming@gmail.com
Summary
This review found no significant difference in bracket attachment failure rates when comparing halogen, LED, or plasma arc orthodontic curing lights. The choice of light cure type does not impact bond failure risk.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Orthodontic bracket bonding relies on light-cured resin adhesives.
- Emerging light cure technologies like LEDs and plasma arc lights offer potential advantages over traditional halogen lights.
- Systematic analysis of these curing light systems' relative merits is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs).
- To assess the risks of attachment failure and bonding time associated with different orthodontic curing light systems.
- To compare halogen, LED, and plasma arc light systems.
Main Methods:
- Conducted comprehensive database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane) and grey literature searches.
- Included RCTs and CCTs with a minimum 6-month follow-up comparing halogen, LED, or plasma arc lights.
- Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
Main Results:
- Ten studies met inclusion criteria; two were excluded due to high risk of bias.
- No statistical difference in bond failure risk was found between halogen and plasma arc lights (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.68-1.23).
- Similarly, no statistical difference in bond failure risk was observed between halogen and LED lights (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.64-1.44).
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support the superiority of one light cure type over another for orthodontic bracket bonding.
- The risk of attachment failure is comparable across halogen, LED, and plasma arc curing systems.
